The highlight of the program is a three-day conference where students debate issues using the actual facilities of the Illinois Capitol and Supreme Court. It's an unparalleled experience that helps students develop crucial leadership and civic engagement skills.
Two of our IHSCA students, Daniel Sanchez and Jaxson Burquis, presented a bill on gun control that successfully passed through the Senate and made it to the House. Their bill calls for expanded background checks that also evaluates the mental health capacity of individuals applying for FOID cards.
Additionally, four of our students, Alice Beltran, Gabriela Camacho, Samantha Munoz, and America Hernandez, had their articles featured in the Sunday edition of the Observer, the newspaper compiled by the press team during the conference. You can read their article on Crazy Conspiracies on page 2 of the paper!
We are immensely proud of our students and grateful to our Youth and Government Club Moderator, Leah Jonaitis, for her support and guidance throughout the trip. We look forward to next year's trip and the continued growth and success of our students in the program. Congratulations to all participants on a job well done!